the car i am using right now has steel rims. would it be better if i use mags or are the mags just for looks? and if you want an extra 10 points... are the steel rims.. sand blasted? buffed? or what other process is used to make it?
2007-07-01 02:30:44 · 9 answers · asked by xero_846 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
aluminum rims are lighter, yes- stronger, no. steel rims are welded together and painted or nickel-chromed, aluminum are cast and then machined, and sealed with clearcoat. nice things about steel rims- they dont crack like aluminum if you get into an accident- theyll bend but dont break. if you run over a pothole and blow out a tire youre out a 30 dollar rim from the junkyard, if you break a factory aluminum rim and go to the dealer- theyre a couple hundred dollars each or more depending on the vehicle.
also as for magnesium rims- be careful with them... theyre light but if you lose a tire going down the interstate magnesium rims can catch fire... and they dont go out- magnesium burns underwater- so basically say goodbye to your brakes... and possibly the rest of your car.
2007-07-01 02:44:41 · answer #1 · answered by darrin b 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mag wheels are lighter and usually are made to accept low profile sport tires which are usually wider than original rims.
Steels rims rust and loose the true original balancing over time... One of those Little things that add up to a poor driving car..
Mags and tires really make a difference in the drivability of a stock suspension...
I believe there is a definite advantage.
2007-07-01 04:09:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
aesthetics, function & fuel mileage
the fuel mileage comes if you have the same width on the original wheels. this is because your steel rims are a lot heavier than the mags. if you think 250grams is not much difference, try this experiment:
get a bicycle wheel and hold it with one hand by the axle. spin it so a bit hard so that it will stabilize in your hand. notice how it tends to track.
now try spinning it again. this time, try turning the axle from horizontal to vertical position. notice how hard it is to get this whil the wheel is spinning? this is because the weight of the whole unit (tire & wheel) has increased drastically while spinning. that means the slight weight difference could be a big difference when your car is rolling!
for function, if you increase the width of your wheels as compared to the original, you will have an increase in traction but reduces... fuel mileage!
hope this helps:)
2007-07-01 02:51:55 · answer #3 · answered by Blonde from D islands 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Steel rims are sheet steel rolled out stamped welded inner to outside rim parts. Cleaned in a abrasive tumbler then either spray painted or powder coated and baked. And there are different kinds of aluminum wheel construction as well. Lighter weight has most car makers using aluminum wheels these days. Better for the shocks and suspension light means less unspring weight. Keep the car as light as possable means empty out those 20 bags of good-will clothing out of the trunk. Easier on the brakes not having to stop that weight better milage not having to accelerate that weight.
2007-07-01 02:47:11 · answer #4 · answered by John Paul 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mag rims.. or magnesium alloy rims or even light alloy rims are about 1/4 lighter then steel rims. Thus you get better acceleration with less drag. But you suffer from less inertia.
Best used for racing, or slightly better fuel efficancy
Steel rims are usually cast or forged
2007-07-01 02:42:45 · answer #5 · answered by Kimball K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that the main objective behind a set of Mags(short for Magnesium) is to add to the beauty of your automobile.. It is truly amazing what just adding a nice set of wheels can do to the looks of your car....
2007-07-01 02:40:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well for 1 thing with mags, you dont have to deal with those stupid hub caps.
2007-07-01 09:58:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are for asthetics but they are also allot lighter and stronger, so better MPG (but not much)
2007-07-01 02:34:48 · answer #8 · answered by barticus0 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks only.
2007-07-01 02:39:55 · answer #9 · answered by Iknowthisone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋